Challenger garners plum female endorsements

How much do endorsements really matter in the neck-and-neck judicial race between incumbent Judge Diane Ritchie and her challenger, prosecutor Matt Harris?

After all, Ritchie won her first term in 2008 over her endorsement-rich opponent, veteran homicide prosecutor Lane Liroff.

But Harris pulled off a victory in the June 3 primary even though she outspent him almost 4 to 1.

What did he have that she didn’t? Among other things, lots of key endorsements. His latest is from Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto.

With that coup, Harris, who is a registered Democrat, now has Eshoo and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, the two top female politicians from the county, in his quarter.

It sure won’t hurt to put that on his ballot statement.

Jude Barry, a San Jose-based political strategist, who is not involved in the race, said the dual stamp of approval could prove significant.

“This will raise eyebrows and questions for voters about Ritchie,” Barry said. “It’s unusual for two highly respected female Congress members to support a challenger to an incumbent female judge. At the very least, a lot of voters will pause and give Harris a real look.”

Ritchie’s political consultant, Rich Robinson, had little to say about the endorsement, other than “I have nothing but admiration for the Congresswoman.”

He’s meeting with Ritchie later this week, so check back to see if she’s attracted any newsworthy endorsements.

(FYI, Harris won with 46.24 percent of the vote, compared to Ritchie’s 42.38 percent)